The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ranching scheme in parts of the Middle Belt.
This is contained in a communique jointly signed by the Leader of Afenifere and Chairman of SMBLF, HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; and National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali in Abuja.
The communique says the plan could lead to the takeover of community lands in Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.
It questions why the pilot scheme was being focused mainly on the Middle Belt, despite the availability of large areas of land in other parts of the country.
According to the communique, SMBLF supports modern livestock farming and ranching but opposed any policy that could take community lands without proper consultation and compensation.
It also says the government must comply with the Land Use Act and respect the rights of communities that depend on their lands for farming, homes and livelihoods.
The communique expresses concern that the policy could lead to permanent settlements for nomadic herders in areas affected by farmer-herder conflicts.
It states that previous proposals, including RUGA and cattle colonies, which were rejected by Nigerians over concerns about land ownership and security.
It therefore calls on the Federal Government to disclose the proposed ranching locations, size of the lands, ownership arrangements, beneficiaries, legal framework and source of funding.
The communique states that it will continue to oppose any attempt to acquire community lands under the guise of livestock development.
